The United States Navy prepares to reassign the Nimitz-class supercarrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) as its forward-deployed aircraft carrier, the echoes of its namesake’s revolutionary past resurface.

The Nimitz-class nuclear-powered supercarrier USS George Washington (CVN-73) will soon serve as the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier, relieving her sister warship USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in the role.

CVN-73, the sixth Nimitz-class carrier, is the fourth Navy vessel named to honor the founding father.

The USS George Washington (SSBN-598) carved a distinct path in naval history as the first ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), transforming strategic warfare with its launch over six decades ago.

Originally conceived as the fast-attack submarine USS Scorpion (SSN-589), the vessel’s destiny shifted during construction at the Electric Boat Company yard, where it was transformed into a ballistic missile carrier.

With a 130-foot section inserted mid-hull to house the Polaris missiles, the submarine became a beacon of nuclear deterrence.

The Federation of American Scientists acknowledged the submarine’s profound influence, stating, “With its entry into service in December 1959 the United States instantly gained the most powerful deterrent force imaginable – a stealth platform with enormous nuclear firepower.”

This encapsulates the monumental leap in naval capabilities represented by SSBN-598.

From its Florida commissioning to its maiden voyage with Polaris missiles, the George Washington exemplified innovation.

Commander James Osborn relayed to President Dwight D. Eisenhower following the first successful submerged Polaris missile launch: “Polaris from out of the deep to target. Perfect.”

USS George Washington’s operational prestige included an impressive 100,000-mile journey during numerous clandestine patrols near the Soviet coastline, solidifying its role in the U.S. nuclear triad.

Even amidst a world fraught with the perils of the Cold War, the submarine held a peaceful tenet, earning its motto “First in Peace.”

Decommissioned in 1985, the USS George Washington’s sail was salvaged, now standing at the Submarine Force Museum in Connecticut as a testament to its historical significance.

The warship received an overhaul in 1965 and remained in service for another 20 years. While she was the first submarine to carry a nuclear-armed ballistic missile, it should be noted that the boat’s motto was “First in Peace.”

The U.S. Navy advances, the spirit of USS George Washington (SSBN-598) endures.

Relevant articles:
– USS George Washington: The Navy’s First Nuclear Missile Submarine was a Powerhouse, The National Interest
– George Washington (SSBN, United States Navy (.mil)
– Submarine Photo Index, Navsource
– USS George Washington: The U.S. Navy’s First Ballistic Missile Submarine, The National Interest